“Prometheus” VS “Madagascar 3” Movie Reviews – Which One is My Pick of the Week?

Friday, June 8, 2012, 02:14 PMPosted by Manny

Two big films are opening this weekend, we have “Prometheus” for sci-fi fans, and “Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted” for the entire family. In “Prometheus,” director Ridley Scott returns to the world he created in “Alien” for this prequel of sorts. This time, the explorers are in search of the history of mankind. Until, dangerous forces intervene. Noomi Rapace channels the strong woman role in the vein of Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley. Charlize Theron, Idris Elba, Guy Pearce, Logan Marshall-Green, Sean Harris, Rafe Spall, and Patrick Wilson co-star. But my favorite is Michael Fassbender in full android mode as David. (Watch my reviews below)

In “Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted,” our favorite castaways are back. They’ve taken us to Madagascar and Africa, and now, they want us to visit Europe! Alex the Lion (Ben Stiller), Marty the Zebra (Chris Rock), Melman the Giraffe (David Schwimmer), and Gloria the Hippopotamus (Jada Pinkett Smith) must join the circus to escape the long arm of the law because by now, they’re Europe’s Most Wanted. Sacha Baron Cohen, Cedric the Entertainer, Andy Richter, Frances McDormand, Jessica Chastain, Bryan Cranston, and Martin Short co-star.

“Bill W.” is a powerful documentary about the iconic founding father of Alcoholics Anonymous, William Wilson. Dan Carracino and Kevin Hanlon direct this eye-opening piece on fighting alcoholism.

I sat down with Carracino to get details on how he and Hanlon created the documentary, the obstacles they faced, and the decisions they made. Take a look at my interview, and then watch “Bill W.” It’s in limited release right now so check your local theaters.

A feature length documentary about Bill Wilson, the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Bill W. tells the story of William G. Wilson, co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, a man included in TIME Magazine's "100 Persons of the 20th Century." Interviews, recreations, and rare archival material reveal how Bill Wilson, a hopeless drunk near death from his alcoholism, found a way out of his own addiction and then forged a path for countless others to follow. With Bill as its driving force, A.A. grew from a handful of men to a worldwide fellowship of over 2 million men and women -- a success that made him an icon within A.A., but also an alcoholic unable to be a member of the very society he had created. A reluctant hero, Bill Wilson lived a life of sacrifice and service, and left a legacy that continues every day, all around the world.

Bill W. took eight years of full-time work to complete. The filmmakers conducted research in dozens of archives and private collections, and interviewed A.A. members and historians in the United States, Canada, and Europe.

Making a film about the founder of an anonymous society, especially one who died in 1971, presented many obstacles, of course. Very few people who knew Bill W. were still alive at the time this production began. At first, it seemed as if there would be very little visual material available for use in a film. But research and a healthy dose of good fortune allowed the producers to unearth film footage and photographs -- including some that had never been seen before -- and some new material that had not been included in previous written biographies of Bill Wilson. As a result, Bill W. presents a new look at the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous.

See New "Django Unchained" Trailer! It's All About Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Vengeance!

Wednesday, June 6, 2012, 10:04 PMPosted by Manny

I worship Quentin Tarantino so no trailer of his will make or break my anticipation for his upcoming films. "Django Unchained" looks like a winner! It's fun to see Christoph Waltz again who won an Oscar for Tarantino's "Inglorious Basterds."

Waltz stars as German-born bounty hunter Dr. King Schultz who wants Django aka Jamie Foxx to help him find the murderous Brittle brothers.

It's also fun to see Leonardo DiCaprio in his first Tarantino movie as Calvin Candie, the owner of a plantation known as "Candyland."

You know what I'm going to do this Christmas -- gifts, food, and "Django Unchained!"

This is a must-see for any "The Hobbit" or "The Lord of the Rings" fan -- Peter Jackson has unleashed a new video taken from the set of "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey." This one is a rare glimpse inside Stone Street Studios in New Zealand which is home to "Lord of the Rings" and "King Kong."

So if you love seeing the production aspects of movies, like I do, you will be treated to a one-of-a-kind look inside the world of "The Hobbit" with Jackson as your tour guide!

"Hobbit" cast members Luke Evans and James Nesbitt show up. And there's a surprise guest too!

"The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" will premiere in New Zealand on November 28 and will travel to the U.S. on December 14.

Many folks are quickly dismissing this upcoming Disney flick as "Toy Story 4." Look closer and you may feel a hint of character development, emotion, and fun -- great qualities we love from Pixar classics ("Cars 2," not so much!)

So yes, "Wreck-It Ralph" hews closer to a Pixar movie than an all-out Disney film, but there's absolutely nothing wrong with that! Heck, even "Toy Story" director, John Lasseter, is the executive producer of the film so yup, it's a Pixar movie not made by Pixar.

But the premise seems fun -- John C. Reilly (he also introduces the clip below) is the villain of a video game that's like "Donkey Kong." He doesn't want to be a villain anymore -- he wants to be a real hero. Awwww...the plotline may be awfully familiar, but will I fall in line for the film when it hits theaters Nov. 2? You betcha!